Glasshouse at Goonoo Goonoo Station, Tamworth, NSW, by Sydney architects, Tanner Kibble Denton is one of six projects shortlisted for the 2017 World Architecture News (WAN) Commercial Award.

The WAN Commercial Award 2017 category celebrates pioneering projects that are purposed for business activities. This award is open to completed designs that push commercial architecture into new and exciting directions - whether an office, restaurant, retail outlet, hotel or shopping mall.

Glasshouse at Goonoo Goonoo Station is a state-of-the-art restaurant and function centre providing a contemporary dining experience with expansive views of the picturesque hills surrounding the historic property, in Tamworth, regional NSW. It sits boldly as a contemporary addition, reflecting its place, between two original agricultural structures, the Woolstore, c1870 and Shearing Shed, c1950, eloquently drawing our attention to their significance.

“I thought that it was really beautiful, I really like the natural materials outside, the inside spaces were just so soft and elegant.” Sarah Brown

“The richness of it is in the textures of the materials. It takes you on a journey where it unravels all of the spaces.” Chris Brandon

“It's very elegant, refined and it creates warmth. I just think it’s really well done.” Benedict Tranel

The interior design is strikingly modern, the materiality and tones echo those of its surroundings. The planning and layout supports the dual functionality of the facility. The restaurant offers a strong visual connection with the historical Woolstore, the rich rusticity of the sheep ramp and shearing shed, as well as maximising the views to the eastern hills; it is iconically Australian. The tall glazed volume of the dining room valuably connects with both the immediate and distant surroundings. The recycled, spotted gum battened acoustic ceiling purposefully cuts diagonally across the restaurant, leading the eye and cleverly dictating views.

“The design responds to the materiality of country- steel, stone and timber. It complements the solid enclosure that is the Woolstore and the mechanism that is the Shearing Shed. The outcome is an elegant and simple building, occupying the space between the historic elements that animates the entire precinct when in use,” explained Design Director, John Rose of Tanner Kibble Denton Architects.

First established in 1841, Goonoo Goonoo Station has been home and social hub to past generations. The sensitive redevelopment of this privately owned property importantly returns public access to Goonoo Goonoo Station, allowing its historical significance to be shared and reconnecting it with the community.

“I’m delighted to see this project shortlisted at WAN. It was highly awarded by the Australian Institute of Architects and now being shortlisted by an international jury reinforces the quality of the project and depth of this practice on a global scale,” says Alex Kibble, Managing Director, Tanner Kibble Denton Architects.

The six shortlisted projects are from Australia, Thailand, Spain, USA, Mexico and Korea.

The WAN 2017 award winners will be announced in London on the 28th of February, 2018.